Saudi Arabia’s Vision for the Future: The Line Megacity Progresses Amid New Details

As construction advances on Saudi Arabia’s ambitious mirrored megacity, The Line, authorities have revealed new details on its progress and the world-renowned experts shaping its future. This visionary project, led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, aims to create a transformative urban environment in the desert, showcasing innovation, sustainability, and technology on a scale never seen before.

The Line, one of the cornerstone elements of the broader Neom project, is designed as a 170-kilometer (105-mile) linear city intended to house nine million people. In a departure from traditional urban layouts, The Line will be a single elongated structure, encapsulating an entire city within a width of just 200 meters (656 feet) and a height of 500 meters (1,640 feet). While this full expanse remains the ultimate goal, the initial phase of construction is set to deliver a scaled-down section of just 2.4 kilometers (1.5 miles), providing a home for 300,000 residents.

Design and Engineering Giants Join the Project

To bring this unparalleled vision to life, Saudi authorities have enlisted some of the world’s top architectural and engineering firms. Among the most prominent collaborators is the US-based firm Gensler, known for designing the Shanghai Tower, the world’s third-tallest building. Gensler’s expertise in city planning and design coordination will be pivotal for The Line’s structure, with a focus on the efficient integration of transport hubs, public spaces, and parks that will make up the public realm.

Also joining the project is the UK engineering powerhouse Mott MacDonald, tasked with tackling the city’s infrastructure—a critical role given The Line’s futuristic aspirations. Mott MacDonald’s responsibilities will include the design and implementation of core systems, such as sewage, water, and energy, crucial for the efficient and sustainable functioning of this desert megacity. According to the Saudi government, AI technology and a network of sensors will monitor and control these systems, ensuring smooth operation and conserving resources in the extreme desert climate.

“As development and construction of The Line progresses, we have established a unique partnership that brings world-leading city design and engineering expertise to deliver Phase One,” said Denis Hickey, Neom’s Chief Development Officer. “Collaboration is at the core of this, with a city-wide best practice group that will showcase how innovation can change the way we consider, design, and build cities forever. This reflects Neom’s vision and global ambition.”

Laying Foundations with Record Steel Usage

The construction of The Line is already proving to be a logistical marvel. Currently, the project is consuming approximately one-fifth of the world’s steel production, most of which is being used for its foundations. This sheer volume underscores the scale and complexity of The Line, which relies on advanced construction techniques to anchor its enormous height and length into the desert landscape. Over 120 foundation piles are being cast into the ground each week at the build site, solidifying the base of what will become one of the most iconic structures in modern architecture.

The Saudi authorities have set an ambitious goal for this initial phase of The Line, targeting completion by 2030. While there has yet to be an official announcement on timelines for subsequent construction phases, this target marks a significant milestone in Neom’s broader 2039 completion goal, laying the groundwork for the megacity to expand in carefully planned stages.

The Role of AI and Surveillance in City Management

A project of this magnitude demands cutting-edge technology to manage its complex infrastructure effectively. Neom’s planners have confirmed that AI will play a pivotal role in maintaining The Line’s systems, monitoring everything from energy consumption to water distribution in real-time. This emphasis on technology extends to an advanced surveillance network, which aims to boost efficiency and security within The Line. While this level of monitoring has raised some concerns, proponents argue that it is necessary for maintaining a sustainable, resource-efficient city in such a challenging environment.

The AI-driven systems will also extend to daily conveniences for residents, facilitating services such as automated public transport and smart resource allocation. This integrated network will enable The Line’s residents to live within a five-minute walking radius of essential services, with high-speed rail connections available to cover the city’s length in just 20 minutes.

The First Project Completed- Sindalah Island

Beyond The Line, Neom’s development is branching out to other projects within its expansive territory. Recently, the luxury island getaway Sindalah became the first Neom project to reach completion. Positioned as a high-end destination on the Red Sea, Sindalah offers elite tourism experiences, blending luxury accommodations with exclusive retail and dining options. This milestone highlights Neom’s commitment to making Saudi Arabia a competitive destination in the global tourism market, complementing the kingdom’s long-term strategy to diversify its economy.

Sindalah’s success signals Neom’s ability to deliver high-profile projects on schedule, a promising sign for The Line and other major undertakings within the city.

A Vision for Future Phases and the Road Ahead

While the immediate focus remains on The Line’s initial 2.4-kilometer stretch, Saudi Arabia is simultaneously advancing other ambitious projects under the Neom umbrella, including Treyam, Epicon, and Mukaab. Each of these projects reflects Neom’s emphasis on innovation, sustainability, and luxurious living, creating a tapestry of modern developments within the kingdom.

Neom is gradually taking shape in the northern desert, supported by an influx of international talent, cutting-edge technology, and substantial financial investment. Yet, many questions linger regarding the project’s feasibility, particularly as subsequent phases unfold. The world’s eyes are on Saudi Arabia as it pushes forward with this unprecedented experiment in urban planning, wondering if Neom will set a new standard for city building or if its ambitions will outpace reality.

As Denis Hickey aptly put it, “This collaboration reflects Neom’s vision and global ambition.” For Saudi Arabia, Neom and The Line are not just construction projects—they are symbols of a new era, one that aims to redefine how we perceive, design, and interact with urban spaces. Only time will tell if The Line will stand as a beacon of futuristic living or a reminder of the challenges in creating the cities of tomorrow.

Source: Neom